Elements which Become Dosha’s in the Body
Akash (Space), Vayu (Air) – Vata Dosha
Agni (Fire) – Pitta Dosha
Jala (Water), Prithvi (Earth) – Kapha Dosha
It would be incorrect to think of the doshas only as the three dynamic elements manifesting in the body. These active elements are always supported by the two unchanging elements, for change can only happen upon the foundation of non-change. Thus, vayu and akash combine to become vata dosha, which controls all aspects of movement as well as space within the body. In spite of this combination, however, vata dosha tends to primarily display the characteristics of vayu — the wind. The words,” dry, light, cold, quick, rough, minute” and “mobile” describe the characteristics of vata dosha.
Agni, in conjunction with some of the qualities of vayu and jala, becomes pitta dosha. This is the function that governs all the body’s conversion processes as well as its heat and energy producing capacities. Pitta dosha is primarily characterized by the qualities of agni, which are hot, sharp, penetrating, light, acidic and slightly oily.
Jala supported by prithvi, becomes kapha dosha and controls liquefaction, lubrication and cohesion. It is also responsible for giving solidity and structure to the body. Kapha dosha primarily reflects the qualities of water, but also has some traits of the earth element. Consequently, kapha is heavy, slow, cold, steady, solid and oily.
Another interesting feature of the doshas is that each has a taste associated with it. Vata is mostly pungent; pitta is sour and kapha is sweet. The utility of this knowledge will become more apparent in the next chapter. Now, let’s continue with our explanation of the dosha’s pervasive influence in the body.
The Doshas’ Zones in the Body
Each bhuta or element dominates the quality of life in specific geographical areas of the world. Some places are dry, reflecting the qualities of vayu; some are hot, indicating that agni is in greater abundance there; while others are very moist or humid, demonstrating the predominance of jala. Is it possible that this same phenomenon is reflected in the way the doshas function in our body? Does each dosha exert a dominant influence in a particular zone or “geographical” location in the human
To determine this, it is helpful to think of the G-I tract as a long, hollow tube extending from the mouth to the anus. This tube and the area of the body surrounding it can be divided into three segments according to the specific function that each seems to have in the body.